Philosophy

School Philosophy

If we, as a student, a teacher and a parent, study the language as well as our culture together, we believe that we’ll find where our country is in the world. We will, then, be able to nurture those who would contribute to world peace and society in various fields.

Operation Policy

This school, based on its philosophy, aims to provide children residing in the local community, who are exposed to the Japanese language environment at home, with the foundation to understand Japan’s position in the world. The goal is to cultivate a groundwork that enables them to adapt to Japanese culture, society, and educational systems. Through the study of fundamental subjects in Japanese and experiencing Japanese culture, the school endeavors to foster an environment where children can comprehend Japan’s cultural nuances.

The educational approach at the supplementary school is designed to complement home education, striving for effectiveness through collaboration. The school’s administration operates under the spirit of “building together,” with parents taking a central role in its management.

History

1981	March	Mt. Holyoke professor Tadashi Yamashita and his wife Nobue collected children living in the Amherst area that wanted to study Japanese and started the Japanese school in the Bangs Community Center in Amherst.
1985		The school was closed for one year while the Yamashitas returned to Japan.
1986		The school resumed with the return of the Yamashitas.
1988		The West Massachusetts Japan Club (aka Japan Club) was established with the help of Japanese companies operating in the area: Kanzaki Specialty Paper, US Tsubaki, Marubeni Pulp & Paper Sales, and Judd Wire.
1989		Sanctioned by the Ministry of Education as an overseas educational institution (tutoring school).
1999	June	Registered as an IRS not-for-profit corporation in Massachusetts under the name Amherst Japanese Language School, Inc.
2000	May	Principal Tadashi Yamashita is a recipient of the 3rd Class Order of the Sacred Treasure (Zuihosho) awarded by the Japanese Government.
2008	April	Kitanodai Gagaku Association and Raikou held a meeting about the appreciation of gagaku, the music of the ancient imperial court of Japan.
2009		The school published the article “Children Overseas Education” in the journal of the Children Overseas Education Foundation.
2013	March	Principal Tadashi Yamashita and his wife Nobue retired.
2013	July	Ex-principal Tadashi Yamashita was appointed an honorary advisor of the school.